Everything You Need to Know about Periodontitis

Periodontitis, alternatively referred to as gum disease, is a dangerous gum infection that, if left untreated, affects soft tissue and may eventually destroy the bone that supports your teeth.

You probably cannot even feel your gums if you have a healthy mouth. However, if you are experiencing periodontitis, you may feel tenderness, aching, and sensitivity around your teeth. The gums may also appear redder than usual, and you may have difficulty opening wide enough to brush all surfaces of the teeth.

If left untreated, you may also experience loose teeth, bad breath, bleeding gums, or a tooth that feels loose to the touch. In severe cases, this may progress to exposing the roots of the teeth, which can ultimately lead to tooth loss.

The Causes of Periodontitis

There are many causes of periodontitis. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Improperly Flossed Food

The bacteria in your mouth adhere to your food as you eat. The bacteria remain on your toothbrush after brushing, and you can transfer unbrushed food from your mouth to your teeth and gums. The food remains there, begins to rot, and can infect your gums.

• Frequent Smoking

Cigarette smoke contains toxic chemicals that can damage the gums after prolonged exposure.

• The Technique of Brushing

The most efficient way to clean your teeth is to go from tooth to tooth in small circles. This action will get to all the nooks where the bacteria hide in your teeth.

• Diabetes

People with diabetes are more likely to develop tooth and gum disease because their bodies are already weakened, making it harder for the body to fight off the infection.

• Genetic Factors

The risk of developing periodontitis in children is higher if their parents also developed the condition. So if one parent has a history of gum disease, their children are more likely to develop it.

The Treatments of Periodontitis

1. Tooth Resection

In this treatment, the gum surrounding a specific tooth is removed to expose the tooth. Then, the tooth is removed.

2. Bone Graft

In this treatment, bone is removed from one area of your mouth to another to fill a void that was left by tooth extraction.

3. Dental Implants

This treatment involves the placement of a titanium post into the gap left by tooth extraction, with a crown on top to replicate the tooth.

4. Scaling and Root Planing

This procedure works to remove bacteria and infected cells from your mouth; this is achieved by scaling and root planing. Scaling removes plaque and tartar, which are responsible for gum disease. Root planing stimulates the gums and allows your healthy tooth to grow back.

5. Soft-tissue grafting

Soft-tissue grafting involves the placement of a piece of tissue from a healthy part of your mouth onto an affected area, thereby stimulating the growth of new tissue.

Conclusion

Periodontitis is a common condition. It is avoidable mainly through the correct practice of dental hygiene. It is best treated through the help of a dentist, who will be able to give you the proper treatment and monitor the progress of your treatment.

Dental House MI is the best place to go if you're looking for a children's dentist in Ann Arbor. We also offer services such as preventive dentistry, dentures, cosmetic dentistry, and oral surgeries. Contact us for a consultation today!